Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, stands out as a prestigious institution specializing in arts education. Founded in 1866 as part of the Chicago Academy of Design and now a partner with the renowned Art Institute of Chicago museum, SAIC provides an urban campus setting that is intertwined with the city's vibrant cultural district. The college offers a diverse range of art and design programs, among which its fine arts and multimedia programs are particularly notable. SAIC emphasizes studio-based learning paired with a liberal arts curriculum, attracting a highly creative student body that culminates in a more selective admissions process. While not having an athletic program, SAIC does offer on-campus living options, including residence halls that contribute to a comprehensive artistic environment where students immerse themselves in innovation and creation.
In the most recent statistical year 6,075 prospective students applied, and 4,797 were granted admission. Of those admitted 651 enrolled in the school. 3,237 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 295 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $53,550 plus fees of $980. School of the Art Institute of Chicago is ranked 484 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is rated within the top 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for School of the Art Institute of Chicago within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#484 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#337 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#22 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#17 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#596 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#30 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1048/1260 |
| ACT | 22/25 |
| GPA | 3.51 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Nov 15, 2023 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $2,350 |
| Other Fees | $980 |
| Room and Board | $16,550 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,020 |
| Total One Year Cost | $75,450 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 96% |
| English and Literature | 3% |
| Architecture | 2% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering School of the Art Institute of Chicago are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=143048 IPEDS survey data for School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Current students may use the School of the Art Institute of Chicago GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.